Ok, I got around to buying the V657. I assume this will be fine, if I set up the amp for 4 ohms (which I have found how to do in the manual).
Essential Audio: one more question - the tech specs of the M5 are 8 ohms, while the rest of the package are all 4 ohms. Is this a misprint? If not, how would one set up a system with different rated speakers?

So does 4 ohms vs 8 ohms affect the (maximum) power output?
I've upped my budget a bit, and I'm in Hong Kong at the moment. Looks like I'll be getting either the 657 (95W) or 757 (100W, A$600-650 here).

Ok, one last question before I go find a powerful receiver. The speakers are rated for 4 ohms, while most of the receivers I see are rated for 8 ohms. What does this mean, and will non-8 ohm speakers work with 8 ohm receivers?

Hmm... that may be a problem. I don't have a dedicated room for the home theatre. It's part of my open plan kitchen/dining/lounge room. The total room dimensions are about 8mx8m, while the actual lounge room area is about 4mx4m, located up against a wall and in the middle, i.e. 2m-4m (lounge)-2m.

* This is my first post here, so please be gentle... *
I'm looking to buy a HT system, but wanted to get something fairly beefy as my room is fairly large and I didn't want to resort to a HTIAB system.
I'm on a budget, so this is what I have chosen so far:
- 5 Series Package from the Loud Speaker Kit (2 x F5, 2 x M5, 1 x C5, 1 x S250)
- Yamaha RXV-457/-557 (undecided yet)
A few questions:
- is the receiver is powerful enough (85-90W)?
- are the receiver and speakers a good match?
- other possible suggestions on a similar budget?